On May 6, CNBC reported that Intel, the renowned chipmaker, witnessed its stock price surge by 13% on Tuesday, marking a record high and continuing its upward trend since April. This significant leap followed a Bloomberg report stating that Apple is engaging in discussions with both Intel and Samsung regarding potential chip foundry partnerships, aiming to mitigate its supply chain risks by diversifying its sources.

At present, these negotiations are still in their nascent stages and have not yet translated into any concrete orders. Traditionally, Apple has heavily depended on TSMC for its chip foundry services. However, recent challenges, including capacity constraints in advanced manufacturing processes—exacerbated by the expansion of AI data centers and a notable uptick in Mac demand—have compelled Apple to explore alternative suppliers.

Nevertheless, Apple remains cautious about the disparities between Intel and Samsung, compared to TSMC, in terms of process technology, production yield, and overall capacity. These factors are crucial considerations for Apple as it navigates its strategic shift in chip supply partnerships.